Newsletter

Washington gets contract through 2016

Vashti Washington plans to be the Jasper County School District’s superintendent until at least 2016.

At Monday’s special school board meeting, the board approved Washington’s employment through June 30, 2016. She’ll make an annual salary of $165,000.

Washington actually resigned effective Oct. 31, so she could withdraw from the state’s TERI program (Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive). The law requires a resignation in order to exit the program.

The board accepted her resignation and then immediately voted to rehire Washington to a new contract, beginning Nov. 2.

Washington was originally hired in 2010 to a four-year contract at an annual salary of $165,000. Last year the board extended the contract until June 30, 2015.

At the meeting, the board conducted its annual superintendent performance evaluation and according to the district, the majority of the board gave Washington a very good evaluation.

She was lauded for a variety of achievements, including the successful execution of the consolidation plan; improving hiring practices, which has attracted more teachers to the county; an improved environment that has helped see record staff and student attendance; and being an ambassador for the district.

“One of the things that needs to continue is stability,” Washington said. “Our community needs the stability and we need to finish the work we’ve started.”

The board met in executive session and Washington anxiously sat in the district office hallway for more than an hour, noting her job has been her most challenging, but the county is ripe with potential.

“We have very bright children here,” Washington said. “It’s not true that every area of the I-95 corridor has children that are struggling and can’t achieve.”

Washington is encouraged by the increased community support. Last year’s “Principal For A Day” featured about eight businesses, and 10 are expected to participate this year.

Her goals include improved community involvement, moving into a new district office, increase graduation rates to 85 to 90 percent and to attract businesses to the county.

“For every successful community that attracts businesses it’s because of its public schools,” Washington said.

The district has planned a county-wide parent conference day at Hardeeville’s campus Dec. 1. The event is designed to allow parents to ask questions, offer them support and provide information about text books and study materials. Some parents will lead sessions to discuss a variety of topics, including good study habits for children.

Washington noted next year, possibly in the spring, the event will be in Hardeeville.

“I’m excited about this,” she said. “It allows parents to talk to parents, to allow teachers and parents to talk to each other.”

Invitations will be sent to parents starting this month.

Washington is pleased to have the board’s support.

“I think they have seen the result of the work and realize the passion behind what I do,” Washington said. “Nothing’s perfect, there is always room for growth, and I accept that responsibility.”